First Solar now serving 10 to 30 kW PV market
First Solar, Inc. has announced its thin film photovoltaic modules are now available for commercial solar systems between 10 and 30 kilowatts (kW) in size. Until now, they had only been available for systems above 30 kW.
Phoenix Solar to build 12 MW French PV park
Phoenix Solar AG has signed an agreement to construct a 12 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic system in France. When completed, it will be the companys biggest project to date outside of its home country, Germany.
VC solar funding soars
The first quarter of this year has seen strong venture capital (VC) funding in the solar sector, having increased almost three fold from the fourth quarter of 2010. Merger and acquisition (M&A) activity is also strong.
California: Manufacturing plant dedicated; RPS signed into law
The new Flextronics/SunPower solar panel manufacturing plant will be dedicated in California today. During the event, the states expanded Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) will be signed into law.
Meyer Burger sets its sights on Roth & Rau
Meyer Burger Technology AG has acquired an 11.3 percent stake in Roth & Rau AG, and has announced a voluntary public takeover offer of 22 for each remaining share held by public shareholders.
UK: IMS believes government favoring nuclear over solar
IMS Research has accused the UK Government of turning its back on solar. The company says reducing tariffs and limiting support to small-scale installations will create nothing more than a niche industry. It adds that the country “has made it clear” nuclear is a viable energy option.
Satcon Q1 results fall below expectations
Although Satcon Technology Corporation expects a four-fold increase in its first quarter 2011 revenue over the same period last year, financial figures have fallen below initial expectations.
3M plans ninth solar manufacturing site in China
3M has said it will build a manufacturing facility for photovoltaic materials and renewable energy products in Chinas Hefei High-tech Park.
Sungrow establishes North American HQ
As part of a $10 million investment in Ontario, Sungrow Canada Inc. has openend its North American headquarters in Vaughan. Fifty new jobs have reportedly been created.
Roth & Rau suffers earnings loss; believes turnkey is in decline
Roth & Rau AG has suffered the first ever earnings loss in its 20-year history, despite increasing sales during the 2010 financial year by 44.2 percent. Looking ahead, the company predicts modest sales increases. Meanwhile, it believes the turnkey business is in decline.
